The Observer view: even Donald Trump’s base must doubt him now | Observer editorial

Michael Cohen’s damning testimony means that unless Trump wins the next election, he could find himself in court

Donald Trump must be re-elected in 2020. Not because he is the best person to be America’s president – he manifestly is not. Not because his record qualifies him for a second term. The man responsible for the longest government shutdown in history and a reckless and dangerous approach to international affairs has already conclusively proved his unfitness to lead. Trump’s personal conduct shames the country whose people and interests he professes to serve.

All this holds true. Yet it does not alter Trump’s most pressing, selfishly subjective 2020 calculation: that he must win again to be sure of staying out of jail. By convention, sitting presidents are not subject to criminal prosecution, although, legally speaking, it is possible. What is certain, however, is that if Trump loses or does not run next time, he will forfeit all actual or notional immunity from criminal proceedings on 20 January 2021. If and when that point is reached, it will be open season on Trump.